Influence of Row Spacing, Irrigation, and Weeds on Dryland Flax Yield, Quality, and Water Use1

J. Alessi and

J. F. Power2

Abstract

Abstract

Field experiments were conducted during 1966 and 1967 at Mandan, N. D. to evaluate the effects of row spacing (7.5, 15, and 30 cm), irrigation water at fruiting, and weed competition (primarily from Setaria virilis) on water use by flax (Linum usitatissinum L.). An irrigation of 50 mm at the fruiting stage increased flaxseed yields only when weeds were controlled, particularly in the dry year of 1967. Flaxseed yields increased at row spacing narrowed from 30 to 7.5 cm only on unweeded plots. Weed growth reduced flaxseed yields for the 2-year period from 26 to 53%, with the least reduction from 7.5-cm row spacing. Midsummer rains or supplemental water at fruiting was less effective in increasing flaxseed production when weeds were present, but some degree of weed control was achieved with narrower row spacing. Oil content of flaxseed was not affected by treatments, but iodine number was slightly higher for the wider spacing (30 cm) in 1966. Total water use was not affected by row spacing or weed treatment, but wateruse efficiency was increased by narrow row spacing and by weed control. Water use patterns indicated deeper root penetration during the drier year.

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